Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 856: I Want a Divorce From Your Father

The room fell into an uneasy silence. The younger members of the Brookes family exchanged glances but said nothing. With the two elders present, it wasn't their place to speak. After what felt like an eternity, Leo sighed heavily and bowed slightly toward Ian.

"No matter what, it's my son who made the mistake," Leo began, his tone heavy but calm. "Wrong is wrong, and there's no excuse for it. We apologize."

He straightened up and continued, "But Ruud's feelings for Natalie aren't exactly a secret. The two of them share a bond, something deeper than we can fully understand. How can we, as their elders, force them apart? Have you even asked Natalie what she wants? Does she really not want to marry Ruud?"

Ian hesitated, his expression unreadable. He didn't respond immediately. He knew Natalie's tendencies all too well-her stubborn heart, her unshakable resolve. She had once sworn to find Tina's father, going so far as to demand his presence at Tina and Jared's wedding. If Natalie were conscious now, she'd likely run straight into Ruud's arms without a second thought.

Leo pressed on, sensing Ian's reluctance. "This is for the children's happiness, Ian. Let's not stand in their way. Natalie's still unconscious, but Ruud wants to take her home. First, no one would dare harm her under the protection of the Pace family. Second, having Ruud by her side might even help her wake up."

He paused briefly, then added, "And Tina-she's been with your family for a long time now. After so many years apart, isn't it time she came back to the Pace family? Shouldn't she have the chance to claim her rightful place? You wouldn't want her to carry the stigma of being fatherless forever, would you? She's my eldest granddaughter. I want to give her the love and respect she deserves."

Leo's voice grew firmer. "As for the matter of the name change, there's no room for negotiation. I have three sons. Two of them? Useless. Only Ruud has proven himself worthy. You can take the other two if you want, but Ruud stays with me!" Ian finally stirred from his silence, his gaze shifting to Ruud. "What do you think?" he asked.

Ruud straightened, his tone serious. "I'll listen to my father."

Leo blinked, taken aback. "You've never been this obedient at home!"

Ian turned back to Leo, his expression softening slightly. "I've seen Ruud's attitude toward Alina over the past few days. I'm not entirely opposed to their marriage, but I can't ignore what's fair to Alina."

wake up and agree to it herself. Ruud can take her back to the Pace

she's made her feelings clear. She doesn't recognize

at Ian's words. His gaze shifted

she spoke, her voice calm but resolute. "I

or your mother intentionally. All these years, he's

his gaze, her expression unyielding. "The misunderstandings may be resolved, and I respect my mom's decision to forgive him. But I don't want to accept him. I don't care what his reasons were for disappearing all those years. The fact is, when I needed a

mom and I were hunted, he still wasn't there." She took a shaky breath.

cutting deeper than he thought possible. He stood frozen, unable to

"But Tina, what about me? I've always thought of you as family. I'm not getting any younger. Now that I've finally found my granddaughter, if we can't recognize each other, I won't even rest in peace when

slightly. "You're my grandfather," she said quietly. "But

He was relieved to be acknowledged as her grandfather,

If you don't want to accept me, I respect your decision. But I'll still do everything I can to make up for

her father. Now that she had, it felt as though her heart was wrapped in thorns. Every time Ruud came near her, the pain

quiet, steadying presence. His warmth grounded her, easing the emotional storm

preparations to make. They headed first to the research facility to retrieve Natalie, then returned to the

there, Leo immediately began making arrangements. He instructed Ruud to change his name back and ordered a room prepared for Natalie. But Ruud insisted on

at the door. Four figures stood outside-two

"We've received a report of erratic behavior. There is suspicion that you are an imposter using disguise

stared at them,

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